BUSINESS SHOWCASE
A Taste of Tradition With Elisabeth Ribeiro from Deja-Vu
Elisabeth Ribeiro’s journey from Brazil to Australia at the age of 20 is one of resilience, ambition, and a desire to create something truly special for the people around her. Arriving in a new country with little knowledge of the English language, Elisabeth poured her time into her children for thirteen years before discovering her destiny as a business owner. Fast forward to today, she is the proud owner of Deja-Vu, a delightful gift shop café in Mackay that offers so much more than just a pla
Read the full storyThriving at Every Age With Jo Sainsbury from Kickass Women
A champion of empowerment through professional development, Jo Sainsbury, Founder of ‘Kickass Women,’ believes in embracing challenging and transformative pathways while collaborating with others to successfully reinvent oneself. “I consider myself as an on-going project and work in progress albeit heading towards my late 50’s and I’m allowed to be both a work in progress and help others grow at the same time,” shared Jo. “I’m one of those people who still has a healthy appetite for continual
Read the full storyThe Game-Changer Businesses NEED With Emma Armstrong from The Kollective Co.
Mackay’s business scene just got a seismic shake-up. The Kollective Co. has arrived—ready to redefine how businesses grow, connect, and thrive. But, this isn’t just another business hub—it’s a dynamic fusion of coaching, education, and holistic tools designed to elevate businesses from the inside out. Founded by Emma Armstrong, a business growth strategist who blends strategy with soul, she takes a no-nonsense approach to unlocking potential and driving high-impact results. Emma is sha
Read the full storyBreaking The Mould With Kate Collins of Taste Whitsundays
A key figure in the Whitsunday community, Katelyn Collins (Aslett) is a renowned philanthropist and business woman who smashes through barriers, innovates and catapults ideas into a new stratosphere. Completely redefining the way people transit through Whitsunday Coast Airport, Kate introduced a high-tech food offering at Taste Whitsundays and the results have been a game-changer. Meanwhile, her fundraising endeavours have seen her spearhead initiatives and drive campaigns where all she touches
Read the full storyA Journey Of ‘Yes’ with Dr Ritu Rana From Ritu Rana Medical
If you ask Dr Ritu Rana how she ended up in Mackay, she’ll tell you it started with a search for sunshine. What she found was more than just warm weather—she found a thriving career, a supportive community, and a life where medicine and motherhood go hand in hand. Today, she’s not just one of Queensland’s leading fertility specialists; she’s also a business powerhouse, balancing family life and a medical empire with grace, determination, and a knack for making the impossible seem effortless. Dr
Read the full storyBreaking Barriers, Closing Deals With Kelisha Day, Sales and Leasing Executive, Explore Property Commercial
At just 23, Kelisha Day is proving that age and gender are no barriers to success in the high-stakes world of commercial real estate. As a Sales and Leasing Executive with Explore Property Commercial, she’s not just finding the perfect spaces for businesses—she’s carving out her own place in an industry traditionally dominated by men. Kelisha’s story is one of grit, persistence, and a genuine love for helping people. Her journey began in 2019, not with a glamorous job offer, but as a determined
Read the full storyMastering the Balancing Act With Bec Gardner from The 'Cite' Group of Companies
Bec Gardner has a lot of titles, but none sum her up better than "Jack of all Trades." As the co-founder and Administration and Finance Manager of the ‘Cite’ Group of Companies—which encompasses CiteCon, CiteWorx, CiteHire, and CiteSpec—Rebecca’s day is a whirlwind of numbers, strategy, marketing, HR, and business development. “My husband jokingly calls me the ‘bean counter,’ but really, I’m across everything,” she says. “I handle finances, compliance, HR, recruitment, marketing, and client re
Read the full storyDriving Growth with Grit and Gear With Mel Cook from CiteHire
Behind every piece of machinery at CiteHire, there’s a story of connection, expertise, and growth—and Mel Cook is the person making it all happen. As the Business Development Manager at the Mackay-based equipment hire company, Mel is a driving force behind the company’s growth, blending technical know-how with a passion for building lasting relationships. But while she’s just as comfortable behind a desk, the gear and the people she works with are what truly fuel her drive.
“I’m not just pushing
Read the full storyLeading with Purpose and Passion MP Amanda Camm
For Amanda Camm, leadership isn’t just about holding office—it’s about driving change, amplifying voices, and rolling up her sleeves to get things done. As the newly appointed Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services, and Minister for Child Safety and Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, she has stepped into a role that is both deeply challenging and profoundly impactful. And yet, despite the weight of responsibility, she remains grounded in the community that shaped her.
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Read the full storyThe Rise of Stephanie McWhirter: A Beacon Of Excellence In Real Estate
Climbing the property ladder is no easy feat, especially in an industry long dominated by men. Yet, Stephanie McWhirter, Principal of Belle Property Whitsundays, has not only navigated these challenges but firmly established herself as a leader in the field.
Stephanie's journey into real estate began with a simple yet powerful motivation: a passion for helping people find their dream homes. Growing up in a family that valued community and connection, she understood early on the importance of cre
Read the full storyA Stellar Team Of Superstars At Gardian Financial Planning
Adele Annetts Gardian Real Estate Office Manager Behind every high-performing real estate team is a powerhouse keeping the gears turning. As Office Manager at Gardian Real Estate, Adele Annetts is that driving force—coordinating communication, streamlining workflows, and ensuring everything runs like clockwork. Adele’s passion for real estate started young, inspired by an agent who went the extra mile to help her family find a home. That experience shaped her career, motivating her to create
Read the full storyInvest in Success With Nicole Geisler Financial Adviser, Gardian Financial Planning
If life is a financial game, Nicole Geisler is the ultimate coach—helping her clients make strategic plays, dodge economic curveballs, and score big on their financial goals. From first-home budgets to retirement strategies, Nicole doesn’t just crunch numbers—she builds relationships, ensuring every client has the confidence to take control of their future. “I love getting to know my clients, not just their finances but their lives,” Nicole says. “It’s about being there to celebrate their win
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